The Toronto Blue Jays spring-training home in Dunedin, FL is now TD Ballpark, as the team unveils a naming-rights deal with TD Bank ahead of next spring’s debut of major renovations.
“Our team’s rich history in Dunedin and the current renovation project is a point of immense pride for the Blue Jays, and we are extremely pleased to partner with TD to invest in the future of our ballpark in Florida,” said Mark Shapiro, President & CEO, Toronto Blue Jays. “Both the Blue Jays and TD share a deep passion for connecting with the community and together we look forward to making an imprint on baseball fans across North America.”
TD Ballpark is currently undergoing a large-scale renovation and will reopen for the start of spring training in February 2020. Construction began in early 2019 with the goal of making meaningful enhancements to the fan experience through additional and differentiated seating options and greater amenities. Fan-friendly features include a brand new Jays Shop with a wider selection of team apparel, renovated suites, an air conditioned bar, a family area, a 360° boardwalk linking each side of the ballpark, an enhanced videoboard and speaker system, and refreshed concession stands and restrooms.
“TD has been a part of the fabric of the greater Tampa Bay community for years, and our commitment to this community extends beyond our store locations, products and services, or even the dollars we give,” said Nick Miceli, Regional President – Metro Florida, TD Bank.
“We focus on supporting every aspect of the community to ensure we are making the biggest impact possible, including providing banking advice to individuals and community partners and providing financial resources and capital to help local businesses grow. Most of all, we pride ourselves on showing up – for fundraisers, volunteer events, and community gatherings. I am thrilled about the opportunity to deepen our engagement with the Tampa Bay community in partnership with the Blue Jays.”
In addition to Grapefruit League games during Spring Training, TD Ballpark is also home to the Dunedin Blue Jays (High A; Florida State League).
The Blue Jays are the only Major League Baseball team to have remained in the same spring training location throughout franchise history. The team established operations in Dunedin in 1977 and began playing games at TD Ballpark after its construction in 1990.
“We are excited to continue growing our relationship with the Blue Jays, this time in the US,” said Theresa McLaughlin, Global Chief Marketing, Citizenship and Customer Experience Officer, TD Bank Group. “We look forward to providing even more ways for fans and our communities to connect, participate, and cheer on Canada’s Major League Baseball team.”
The grand opening of TD Ballpark will take place on Monday, Feb. 24 for the Blue Jays’ Spring Training home opener vs. the Atlanta Braves and will feature a special gate giveaway. The Blue Jays will play 15 home games at TD Ballpark during Spring Training, after which the Dunedin Blue Jays will begin their season on Saturday, April 11.
Additional coverage of spring training can be found on sister site Spring Training Online.
Rendering courtesy Toronto Blue Jays.
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